IND A vs PAK A | Sudharsan's Century and Hangargekar's Fifer Crush Pakistan A in ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup Clash

Rajvardhan Hangargekar bagged a fifer (Twitter)

India A emerged victorious by eight wickets against Pakistan A in Match 12 of the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Putting up an impressive batting display, the Indian team comfortably chased down a modest target of 205, clinching their third consecutive win in the group stage. Having topped Group B, India A is now set to face Bangladesh A in the semi-finals, while the latter finished second in Group A.

IND A vs PAK A: How did the game pan out?

Openers lay an impressive foundation

In response to a paltry target of 206, the Indian batting line-up, led by openers Sai Sudharsan and Abhishek Sharma established a steady base with a 52-run stand before the latter was bowled for 20 by Mubasir Khan.

Nikin Jose joined Sudharsan in the middle and the pair continued to add impetus to India's chase. The partnership prospered until Jose, after scoring a valuable 53 off 64 deliveries, was stumped off the bowling of Mehran Mutaz.

Captain Dhull and Sudharsan seal the deal

Following Jose's dismissal, Indian Captain Yash Dhull entered the fray. Dhull and Sudharsan shared a crucial partnership, ensuring the run chase remained on track. As the finishing line approached, Sudharsan eyed his century.

With eight runs needed for both the team's victory and his hundred, he launched two consecutive sixes, bringing the match to a stunning finish and notching up his own century in the process.

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Pakistan A struggles against Hangargekar's fire

Earlier in the match, having elected to bat first, Pakistan A found themselves under the cosh at 9/2 due to Rajvardhan Hangargekar's incendiary bowling spell. His scalps included Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf, dismantling the top order with panache.

A brief respite and subsequent collapse

Sahibzada Farhan and Haseebullah Khan tried to stabilize Pakistan A's innings with a 36-run stand. Despite Farhan's attacking 35 off 36 balls, the respite was short-lived as he fell to the bowling of Riyan Parag. The Pakistani lineup was further dented by spinner Manav Suthar who snagged three key wickets.

Akram's fightback falls short

In an attempt to revive the innings, Qasim Akram shared decent partnerships with Mubasir Khan and Mehran Mumtaz. However, Hangargekar returned to disrupt the revival, claiming Akram's wicket along with Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shahnawaz Dahani, ending Pakistan's innings at 205.

Brief Scores

Pakistan A: 205/10 (48)

Qasim Akram 48 (63), Sahibzada Farhan 35 (36)

Rajvardhan Hangargekar 5-42 (8), Manav Suthar 3-36 (10)

India A: 210/2 (36.4)

Sai Sudharsan 104* (110), Nikin Jose 53 (64)

Mubasir Khan 1-45 (9), Mehran Mumtaz 1-58 (10)

India A won by 8 wickets

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